It's been a tradition the past four years, but soon will be coming to an end. Amanda Krier, a sophomore first baseman for the North Idaho College softball team, will finish her record-breaking career for the Cardinals, two years after her sister, Alysha, finished her career for the Cardinals as a catcher.

It's been a tradition the past four years, but soon will be coming to an end.

Amanda Krier, a sophomore first baseman for the North Idaho College softball team, will finish her record-breaking career for the Cardinals, two years after her sister, Alysha, finished her career for the Cardinals as a catcher.

Both came to NIC from Lake City High.

"It's not that often when a situation like this comes up at the junior college level," North Idaho coach Don Don Williams said of coaching the sisters. "(Amanda) has been great to coach. For me, it's been a great experience to watch her grow - both on and off the field, in the classroom. She has really been able to take advantage of what has been given to her, improve and prepare for the next level."

"It's been interesting," Krier said of following in her sister's footsteps. "She loved going through the program, so I came here and immediately took her number (No. 22). She liked the experience and playing for Don Don and had a good time - so it was an easy decision."

Of any nerves about playing in her older sister's shadow, Krier added since they played different positions, it doesn't exist.

"We went to high school together and played two years," Krier said. "We've always done our thing. It's never been a competition and we've always been supportive of each other."

In her freshman season, Krier broke the school's season batting average record (.451), along with the slugging percentage mark (.734). This year, Krier holds a .448 batting average, with 2 home runs and 38 RBIs as the Cardinals travel to Snow College in Ephraim, Utah, starting today for a Scenic West Athletic Conference four-game series. Krier leads the team in RBIs and doubles (15).

"Our coaches tell us not to look at our stats during the season," Krier said. "It's more of a physiological thing - so we don't look at the numbers and try to take it a game at a time."

Krier, a state placer in softball and state champion in basketball at Lake City, came to NIC a year after her older sister graduated and moved on to Augusta State in Georgia.

Since coming to NIC, Krier added that surroundings and level of play has helped her become a better player.

"I like the fact it's a two-year school," Krier said of playing at NIC. "The age difference between the players is really close. It was kind of easy to jump in right away as a freshman."

Krier has committed to Adelphi College in Garden City, N.Y. Adelphi is coached by former NIC player and assistant coach Paige Smith, who helped coach the Cardinals to their first Region 18 title and berth into the NJCAA tournament. Smith played on Lakeland High's 1996 state championship team.

"I'm a little nervous," Krier said of the move. "It will be my first time away from home. It's going to be nice to get out and experience the East coast cultures, see Times Square and meet new people. I'm interested to see what the competition is like back East."

Williams added that she believes Krier is up for the challenge.

"I'm excited for the opportunity for her," Williams said. "Amanda wanted to go to New York out of high school, but I'm glad we got her for a couple years."

Krier currently shares a house with teammates Brooke Springer and Alyssa Hawley, all of which share a special bond, not only as sophomore teammates, but as good friends off the field.

"We all travel together and eat together," Krier said. "It doesn't matter where we are. If we go anywhere, we are always together. Lauren (Maloney) is a great friend and person."

Springer, from Omak, Wash., came to NIC on a visit when she met Krier for the first time.

"When I came here on a walk-on visit I didn't know anyone," Springer said. "When I met Amanda, we seemed to click and it has developed over our sophomore year."

Once they go their separate ways for school, Springer doesn't feel it will be the end of their friendship.

"We'll probably talk even more," Springer said. "She's a really good friend and I can see it developing into a long-term friendship."

Springer also added that it's some of Krier's traits that have helped lift the team throughout the season.

"Her personality is great," Krier said. "There is never a dull moment with her. She has the best sense of humor on the team. She usually has a great attitude and is very sociable."

"She's probably the funniest kid I've coached here," said Williams, who started the NIC program in 1998.

Springer also added that as Krier goes emotionally during games, so goes the rest of the Cardinal lineup.

"She's kind of the life of the party," Springer said. "When she's down, usually the team is also and it sometimes takes her to bring us back up."

On the field, Springer added that Krier is the same way, always leading by example and bringing a level of fun to the field.

"We've got a friendship both off and on the field," Springer said. "She keeps me looking to the positive side of any situation. She can really bring the light to any situation."

Krier added that the influence of Williams has also helped her grow on and off the field.

"(Don Don) works us hard," Krier said. "But it always pays off in the end. It sometimes takes a while to understand what she means, but she's been doing this a long time and it always pay off in the end."

And should she need it, Krier knows where to turn if she needs some advice.

"She's usually on us about academics and my GPA has gone up in the time I've been here," Krier said. "She's been great. We can go to her for anything and she'll always answer."

But there are a few things Krier will miss when she moves to the East coast in the fall.

"I'm going to miss my family coming to watch my games," Krier said. "They're a big part of my life. I'm really going to miss my teammates. Everyone cares about everyone. There is just something about playing for North Idaho that sticks with you."